Management of running track under discussion
DISCUSSIONS are ongoing between Bridgend County Borough Council and Bridgend Athletics over the management of the running track at Newbridge Fields.
The club is looking to take over the long-term management of the running track under the council’s Community Asset Transfer (CAT) programme. It also has plans to redevelop the clubhouse.
Through the CAT programme, the local authority works with sports clubs, and town and community councils to transfer the running of community facilities to help protect them for future generations.
Councillor Stuart Baldwin, cabinet member for communities, said: “As the primary user of the track, Bridgend Athletics is best-placed to preserve this facility for the community at a time when the council’s budget is under huge pressure.
“The club is currently managing the track on behalf of the local authority until the CAT is completed, when it will take over management permanently.
“Asset transfers enable clubs to make improvements to pavilions and pitches, while helping the council to ensure grassroots sport can continue to thrive in our communities. Many thanks to those organisations who have already engaged with us about the CAT programme and prepared plans.”
In 2019, Bridgend County Borough Council awarded £20,000 towards the cost of replacing the track,which was originally laid in 1997. The new track cost more than £100,000 and was also partly funded by Sports Wales, Bridgend Town Council and the club themselves.